William, 31, who served as a RAF search and rescue helicopter pilot until September, was watched by wife Kate as he laid a wreath of poppies at a memorial in central London. He followed his brother, army captain Harry, 29, who donned his ceremonial Household Cavalry great coat with wide red collar, in paying tribute on behalf of his father, Prince Charles (who is in India with wife Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall).

As in previous years, Kate, 31, watched from a balcony above Whitehall, central London, alongside William’s aunt Sophie, Countess of Wessex, and Tim Laurence, the husband of Princess Anne. Kate donned a brooch in the shape of a poppy – the traditional symbol worn to honor those who have perished in wars.

Kate

James Whatling / Splash News Online

A centerpiece of the ceremony attended by 10,000 servicemen and women, religious and political leaders was the observance of a two-minute silence. Following that, Queen Elizabeth (who wore a cluster of red poppies on her lapel) stepped forward to lay the first wreath at the Cenotaph in Whitehall. She was joined by her husband, Prince Philip, 92, a former naval officer.

Sunday's ceremony (a continuation from Poppy Day in London on Thursday) remembered those who died in the two world wars and conflicts since.